Because I wear my L.L.Bean Boots so often, I get a lot of questions about ’em–whether from family, friends or readers. :) So I thought I’d sit down and finally write up some of my best tips for purchasing a pair. (And yes: they’re just as wonderful as you may have heard!)
Want to share your experience? Be sure to comment in the comment section below!
Decide which height you like best.
The three most popular Bean Boots for women are the six-inchers, eight-inchers (which is what I have, and am wearing in all these photos) and mocs. The six- and eight-inchers are very similar; the only difference being the height and that the eight-inchers are available in navy, too. And the mocs (obviously ankle-height) are perfect to leave by the door and quickly slip on. Growing up, there were dozens of these lying around the house!
Because I wear a ton of navy, I own the eight-inchers. But if the six-inchers came in navy, I definitely would have purchased those. They’re a bit easier to get on, and I think they look more appropriate in the fall and spring.
Pay attention to sizing, because it’s tricky.
Bean Boots only come in whole sizes. The general rule is that if you plan on wearing the boots with heavy socks (like J.Crew’s Camp Socks or L.L.Bean’s Camp Socks) and you happen to wear a “whole size,” order your normal size. If you wear a “half size,” however, order the next size down. (I typically wear a size 7.5 in flats and boots, and I take a size 7 in Bean Boots.)
If you plan on wearing the boots with light socks, L.L.Bean recommends ordering a full size down for whole-sizers, and ordering 1.5 sizes down for half-sizers. However, I found that ordering 1.5 sizes down didn’t work for me. I tried both sizes 6 and 7 in the Bean Boots, and while the 7s were a bit roomy with light socks, the 6s really pinched my toes. (Remember: I normally wear a size 7.5 in flats and boots.)
My best recommendation? Order your normal size if you’re a whole-sizer, and order the next size down if you’re a half-sizer.
Note that Shearling-Lined Bean Boots are sized slightly differently. Read about them here!
Also: Bean Boots come in narrow, medium and wide widths. Order how you normally would! I’m a medium in all shoes and took a medium width in my Bean Boots, for reference.
Finally: If you wear a women’s 6 or smaller, you might need to consider children’s sizes. See above.
Fair-isle legging options here and here
For cold weather and snow, consider the Thinsulate, Gore-Tex/Thinsulate or Shearling-Lined versions.
As much as I love my eight-inch navy Bean Boots, they’re not true winter boots. I can wear ’em with a pair of Camp Socks (my favorites are from J.Crew and L.L.Bean!) during 30-degree days without a problem, but in temperatures lower than that, my toes freeze. (Unless I’m just taking the dog for a speedy walk around the block or running some quick errands with the car.)
That said, I still wear them in the snow from time to time–as evidenced by these photos, haha–because I think they’re so flippin’ cute. ;) But really: I recommend the Thinsulate ($139), Gore-Tex/Thinsulate ($189) or Shearling-Lined ($209) versions if you expect to wear your boots in cold weather often. Each pair is designed for something different: the Thinsulate version features extra insulation and therefore more warmth; The Gore-Tex/Thinsulate pair offers that same insulation as well as a special lining that’ll keep your feet dry and comfortable in extremely wet weather; and the Shearling-Lined boots are probably the warmest–and comfiest–of the three, and definitely designed for snowy days.
Keep in mind that the soles are not lined with shearling, but you can buy the insoles if you want that! Also: The Shearling-Lined boots are sized a bit differently. Be sure to read about that here.
Purchase Camp Socks.
Seriously, don’t buy Bean Boots without ’em. Here’s why:
A) They complete the look
B) They minimize rubbing and blisters
and
C) They provide extra warmth
;)
My favorites are from J.Crew and L.L.Bean! J.Crew Factory and Madewell also carry them.
Don’t be mad at L.L.Bean if your favorite pair is backordered.
Really. Just read this article that recently appeared in The Atlantic.
Bean Boots are handmade by a team of 200 people, and each boot takes 85 minutes to complete. While demand has increased dramatically since 2011, L.L.Bean has decided to keep manufacturing the product in Maine, like the company always has. “Remaining local” is extremely important to the L.L.Bean team–all the materials are sourced from the U.S. and amazing local shoemakers (who aren’t easy to find) assemble the boots. The company continues to train more of their own employees, but the training process takes six months… so it’s a process.
L.L.Bean is producing more boots than ever, but it doesn’t necessarily want to keep up with demand, as the company isn’t sure whether how long the boots’ popularity will continue. And then there’s the idea that waiting for a product increases buyers’ desire for it. Which is totally true, right?! ;)
Hunting 10-inchers with Gore-Tex/Thinsulate
Consider other versions that might have shorter wait times.
There are so many “specialty boots” to choose from, like the Shearling-Lined 10-inchers, Padded-Collar six-inchers, Bison eight-inchers, Hunting 10-inchers or the Hunting 10-inchers with Gore-Tex/Thinsulate. I know, I know. You’re in love with a particular pair. These are other options, though! :)
If your boots are backordered, order them anyway.
Typically, backordered boots are shipped within three or four months from the time you place your order. Bean Boots are fully returnable, so why not order them now? Ordering in January and receiving in April isn’t that bad. Just in time for the rainy season!
Don’t wait for sales, because they won’t happen.
Because Bean Boots are in such high demand, they’re not eligible for promotions or discounts. The good news, though, is that they ship free!
If you need a pair of boots immediately, try Sperry’s Saltwater Boot.
They aren’t the real thing, but they look great and are super comfy… and they’re waterproof! They’re available at Nordstrom, Zappos and Tuckernuck.
Do you live in the Arctic tundra like me? You also might want to look into Sorel Boots.
FYI: The warmest pair of boots I’ve ever owned is the “Joan of Arctic” boots. The pair I’m wearing in the above photo is VERY old, but you can find newer versions via Nordstrom, Zappos and Sorel.
For rain boots, check out this guide to buying Hunter Boots.
SaveSave
I’m absolutely obsessed with my BeanBoots! I have the 6″ shearling lined ones and I’m in heaven in the winter!
Mary kate
http://www.mynewchicagolife.com
THEY ARE THE BEST.
Fabulous post Kelly!! I have the 10 inch Hunting boots which have beautiful leather uppers, and a thinner more flexible sole and I have the mocs which are awesome, totally perfect to slip on and take the pup out! If I was going to get another pair, I really love the flannel lined boots!! Bean boots are the best. OH and the boot guard that LLBean sells rocks.
-Monica
http://www.newenglandclassicbeauty.com
Thank you so much, Monica! You’re the sweetest! So glad you love them. :)
It’s so horrible, I had Bean boots as a kid and hated them because I thought they were “ugly”. Now I don’t own a pair and wish I did but can’t bring myself to spend the money. Maybe I’ll give in and buy a pair next winter!
Haha! I have to admit that I was the same way about my Bean Boots when I was little. Now I couldn’t live without them! Guess Mom and Dad were right…
Well this is just perfect since I have no freaking idea what the heck the difference between all of these styles!
The Adored Life
Thank you, Girl! Hope you’re doing well! :)
Totally agree with you on Bean Boot sizing! I ordered my normal size, and they’re perfect with heavy socks. Oh, and I LOVE Camp Socks!! The new cable socks from this year’s holiday line are pretty rad too!
Heather | Partial to Pink
Yay! Sizing can be pretty tricky but it’s worth it to figure it out! :)
I have been trying to find out if the shearling boots have shearling lined soles or not. Thanks for the detailed post.
I have been trying to find out if the shearling boots have shearling lined soles or not. Thanks for the detailed post.
I’m pretty sure they do!
Not sure if this will be seen, but llbean is haveing a sale 20 percent off 50; INCLUDING BEAN BOOTS!!!! I have been eyeing these and a represantic so chatted to let me in on the promotion they were about to have and now I have a pair in the mail for Monday. I was able to get the boots and socks for 111 dollars approximately
Wow! Thank you so much, Liz! Do you know what the code is?
The code is SAVE20
Thank you so much, Dani! :)
Finally getting my first pair and this article was really really helpful. :)
Yay! You’re so sweet!
I want a pair of bean boots but they are currently sold out of the color I want in the width I wear (medium) so I was wondering if you think I could wear a size wide with thick socks? Or would it still be way too big.
Hi Heather! :)
Unless you usually need wide boots, I probably would order and wait for them. They’re really designed for those with wider feet!
xx
Kelly
How do you clean the insoles and the attached inner liner of the Bean Goretex/Thinsulate model? I have a pair and just discovered that the liner is attached to the inside of the boot! This is something that buyers need to be aware of, the Goretex/Thinsulate model liners DO NOT come out and that can lend itself to trapped foot odor inside the boot. It sucks!
Hi Greenstyle,
Thanks for letting us know! I’ll reach out to LLBean and see what they recommend. :)
Hi Kelly! What did LL Bean suggest?
I love the bean boots, but I live in asheville where it obviously can get to the single digits on a winter day and snows often in the winter, but the 189 dollar boots aren’t in my budget, would the thinsulate version suffice?
The Thinsulate ones are supposed to be SO warm! I’m sorry for the delay here, Anna Kate!
To give you a jump-start on the season, we’ve kicked
the rubber on a few soles to find the best ones to boot-up with for the
big freeze. Because winter varies so much around the country, from slush
and mud to deep powder, we included a variety of boots, from
puddle-worthy to hell’s frozen over.
Check out our Gear Trade store :)
I’d like a pair for spring. When everything is wet and slushy, and I may have to chase the kids into a snow bank!! I don’t want them too warm, but some sort of lining because I find regular rubber boots too cold. Which bean boots would u recommend?
Thank you for this post! I’m from LA, but travel to the east coast for work and school! Being from California, I know nothing about what to wear in the winter on the east coast! Just ordered my pair! Thanks so much! xx
I actually just ordered some bean boots, and got 25% off because all the boots are on sale til the end of the day, so I was super excited, because your right they’re never on sale!
Thanks for this post!! It was so helpful! I’m moving to NYC form LA so obviously need these… and got them 25% off!! HUZZAH! All your winter-y posts are quite helpful. Went with the regular 8″ because, like you, I love navy. Fingers crossed I don’t freeze without the upgrade… Thanks again!!
Thanks for this review. It was very helpful when trying to decide which boots to buy. I bought the 6 inch limited edition navy/black.
two points – first, the bean boot is typically on sale for 25% off on Black Friday, and whenever there is a new LLBean store opening. I always buy mine on black friday for the extra 25% off. That discount is on top of other discounts – so if there is a style being discontinued, you can get it on top of it.
Second – you can buy the Sorel boot at Columbia as well. It’s cheaper generally at the Columbia outlet store and you can combine the outlet mall coupon plus Columbia rewards.
Do any men buy these???? Does anyone use them for work or to hunt in?? Even with mine scraped up, covered in motor oil with sawdust covering them, I STILL get called gay when I wear them. This is wicked annoying.
Hey there, I’ve been reading your articles (so well written!)and just purchased some shearling boots (worn one time for $80, I know right?!) I’m worried though because I’m afraid they will be too warm in the fall… I would love to wear them for fall boots maybe even spring boots as well because they’re so stinking cute! Will I be able to at all?
I bought the 8” thinsulate bean boot. I normally wear size 81/2 shoe and followed bean’s instructions on sizing so I ordered a size 7 and they fit perfectly – you can read my review on their website under this type of boot
Hello,
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Thanks again.